A Google press release stated:
"We are inviting entrepreneurs and companies to show us their best ideas on how they can contribute to this important cause. While $10 million is a fraction of the total investment needed to transform our transportation sector, we hope this RFP will help catalyze a broader response."
The request for proposals follows on from Google.org's previous investment of $1 million at the start of June this year, with the launch of their Recharge IT Program. Since then Google has been testing their own fleet of Toyota Prius plug-in cars in order to establish more information about their usage and development, aiding in the advancement of greener technologies. Google has also taken steps towards research into connecting plug-in cars to the grid, allowing for resources to be put back in during peak demand periods.
The importance of making the requests for proposals online should allow for more open and diverse bidding from private sector companies. Google officials say that they "expect to receive submissions from a wide variety of companies - from cutting edge battery technologies to innovative service businesses - and from companies of all sizes."
While Google will provide investment into these private sector businesses, the search engine claims to have no plans to take any leadership or influential positions within the firms. They have also stated that further grants will still be made available through the RechargeIT scheme for non-profit organisations. The RechargeIT scheme has already proved beneficial, as reported by bigmouthmedia in June, with schemes such as solar panels at their headquarters and plug-in fleet car being put in place in addition to the grants.
With this extra incentive, Google hopes to bring the commercial opportunities of plug-in cars to the market faster, as the current viability of sustainable transport is limited. Their focus is not only on the technology; investment in support networks, such as service firms, is a welcome initiative that is sure to spark further ideas and hopefully achieve the aim of bringing these vehicles to the market on a large commercial scale.
